Essential travel security strategies for safe & secure business travel
Travel Security
International travel is more unpredictable than ever. From cyber espionage to physical threats, travellers, especially high-profile business professionals are prime targets for intelligence agencies, organized crime, and corporate espionage.
For close protection operatives and security professionals, ensuring a client’s safety during travel requires careful planning, real-time adaptability, and proactive risk management. Therefore, whether you’re navigating high-risk regions or securing sensitive data, understanding the core principles is critical.
In this guide we cover essential strategies for executive travel security and secure business travel. And if you want to take your expertise further, the Close Protection Handbook offers in-depth strategies and actionable insights tailored for security and protection professionals.
The guide
Why Travel Security Safety Matters for Business & Corporate Professionals
High-profile individuals, executives, and business travelers are prime targets for security threats and over 65% of business travelers carry sensitive corporate data on their devices. And the reality is that while many trips go off without a hitch, it only takes one incident to highlight the importance of having a having a solid approach towards travel security.
- Common attack points are hotels, airports transportation services and public Wi-Fi
- Personal safety risks are on the rise globally with corporate espionage, cyber threats and physical threats.
Whether you’re a close protection operative, an executive, or a frequent corporate traveler, you need proactive security measures to stay safe.
Here follows three pre-travel preparation tips: Securing your trip before you leave
#1
Conduct a risk assessment
For business professionals, corporate travel security should include risk assessments for both physical and cyber threats and before any trip, research your destination.
- Check government travel advisories. Resources like the Sweden UD, Sweden abroad or U.S. State Department’s travel alerts provide valuable security insights.
- Analyze crime rates and political stability. Understand the likelihood of protests, theft, or violent crime.
- Evaluate cybersecurity risks. Some countries actively monitor and intercept electronic communications.
Pro Tip: Evaluate cybersecurity risks. Some countries actively monitor and intercept electronic communications. Additionally, conducting a corporate risk assessment can help identify security vulnerabilities in your itinerary.
#2
Pack smart: What to bring & what to leave behind
Your packing choices can make or break your travel security safety. Use a “travel laptop” and “travel phone” and further avoid taking your primary business devices, use sanitized, temporary devices instead if possible. Additionally, carry essential security tools: a portable door lock, RFID-blocking wallet, and tactical flashlight for added safety. Important: Never check in valuables or sensitive devices. Always keep them in your carry-on!
#3
Situational awareness & physical Travel security
Being aware of your surroundings is as important as cybersecurity.
- Keep a low profile. Avoid flashy clothing, accessories, or behavior that draws attention.
- Vary your routes and routines. Never take the same path multiple times—predictability makes you an easy target.
- Use secure transportation. If possible, arrange pre-screened drivers instead of public taxis.
The book
Master Executive travel security with the close protection handbook
Travel security isn’t just a checklist, it’s a mindset. High-profile professionals and security specialists need proven, field-tested strategies and operational tactics to stay ahead of emerging threats.
The Close Protection Handbook is the definite resource for professionals who need advanced strategies, surveillance detection techniques, and high-risk travel protocols.